MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS Week is almost at an end - but this doesn't mean we should stop talking about the importance of good mental health and supporting others through difficult times.

The theme this year is kindness - something which has been spoken about considerably since the tragic and untimely suicide of Love Island presenter Caroline Flack. The week is particularly relevant this year, as coronavirus continues to kill people around the world and millions are still under lockdown regulations, leaving almost no corner of the world unaffected.

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These unprecedented times have left many not knowing how to act or what to think, with millions struggling with the effects of loneliness and worry.

The circumstances can exacerbate existing mental health conditions and bring out new ones in otherwise healthy individuals.

When helping a friend who is struggling with a mental illness, whether it's anxiety or depression or something more serious, such as a personality disorder or mood disorder, it's important to reach out even though it may be difficult at first.

Dr Maite Ferrin, Consultant Psychiatrist at cognitive healthcare service Re:Cognition Health has offered some sage advice toExpress.co.ukreaders on how to approach and help a friend in need.

Mental Health: Living with a mental health condition of any kind can be completely debilitating (Image: GETTY)

Mental Health: Talking is a key part of helping people with their problems (Image: GETTY)

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Understand the situation

Dr Ferrin advises being open with a friend and making yourself available often as being a key step in getting a friend to trust you to help them.

Dr Ferrin says: "Always maintain an open line of communication – let them know that they are supported and that you and other friends and family members are always available to talk to them with independence of how they feel.

"If they don’t feel comfortable talking or are not ready to open up, it’s important not to force them as this could escalate problems."

Mental Health: The support of friends and family is crucial in helping someone get better (Image: GETTY)

Validation

Dr Ferrin outlines the importance of acknowledging and validating another person's emotional struggles, and relating to them with your own experience can help them feel more like they are being believed by others.

She says: "Validate and acknowledge their emotions and struggles. Share any relevant and relatable experiences.

"Your friend might be hypersensitive and unexpectedly overreact to minor things or problems.